Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

Brain Connections and Sensory Pathways in Autism

Last Updated: Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Principal Investigator: Carissa Cascio, Ph.D.

Description

Who Are We?

We are researchers at Vanderbilt University, and we are currently investigating why some children with autism are very sensitive to sights, sounds, or touch.

How Much of Our Time is Needed?

This depends on several factors, including how many sessions your child qualifies for and how much time you want to commit. Eligible participants may participate in up to three sessions, each ranging from 1 to 3 hours in length.

What Will My Child and I be Doing?

You will be asked to answer some questions and complete some questionnaires; your child will also be asked to answer some questions, complete some puzzles and ask to give a small sample of saliva as a source of DNA in the first session. After that session, he/she may qualify for further sessions. These will include play-based sensory assessments that involve vision, hearing, and touch, and a brain scan using an MRI. We will provide some training in the first two sessions to help your child feel comfortable and learn to stay still in the MRI scanner.

How Much Will We Be Paid?

The study pays $20/hour. Your parking at Vanderbilt will be paid for. If your child participates in the MRI portion of the study, he/she will also get a picture of his/her brain!

Participant Criteria

We are looking for kids who:

  • have an autism spectrum disorder
  • are between the ages of 5 and 7
  • are likely to be able to stay still for 15-20 minutes in an MRI scanner.

Compensation

$20/hour

Visit Requirements

up to 3 visits, from 1 to 3 ho

Brochure

Download Brochure

Contact Information

Akua Cosby
615-936-0151
Akua.a.Cosby@vanderbilt.edu

Want to Participate in this Study?

Enter your name and contact information and this study's coordinators will contact you if there are openings available.

 
 
(Optional)

Carissa Cascio, Ph.D. needs participants for these other studies.

  • Adult Brain Research at Vanderbilt
    Looking for:

    We are looking for people who:

    • are healthy
    • are between the ages of 18 and 50
    • speak English fluently
    • do NOT have a college degree
    • are NOT currently enrolled in courses at a four-year college
    • currently have a strong hobby, activity, or interest
    Compensation: Yes
  • Sensory Perception and Special Interests
    Looking for:

    We are looking for kids who:

    • are healthy
    • are between the ages of 8 and 17
    • speak English fluently
    • currently have a strong hobby, activity, or interest
    • do AND do not have an autism spectrum disorder
    Compensation: Yes

Visit this investigator's people page to list all of their studies together.